Truck & SUV Bumpers In AUstin TX
Aftermarket Bumpers Guide

Aftermarket truck and SUV bumpers come in numerous styles from a variety of manufacturers. This guide provides the pros and cons of the most common bumpers on the market, though this list is by no means comprehensive and variations will occur between individual brands and models. For additional information, we highly recommend consulting the experts at your local truck accessories store. Have questions? Need advice? Click Request-A-Quote to have one of our automotive customization experts contact you to help guide you through this process. Note: Information is subject to change. Always consult the product manufacturer's web page for the most up-to-date and accurate information prior to making any purchase.
Contents of this Guide
Click a topic from the list below to skip ahead to a particular section.
- Why Upgrade Your Bumpers?
- Types of Front Bumpers
- Considerations
- Driver Assistance Technologies
- Which Bumper Is Right For You?
Why Upgrade Your Bumpers?
There are many reasons to invest in aftermarket bumper for your truck or SUV, protecting your vehicle often being first. Here are the top reasons you should consider making the decision to purchase.
- Superior protection for your vehicle (and its occupants, cargo)
- Mounting for light bars and light pods
- Mounting for winch
- Aesthetics
Types of Front Bumpers
While the following list is certainly not all-encompassing, it does represent the major categories of bumpers you may wish to compare when shopping around. Note that bumper manufacturers often blend categories/features and develop their own terminology.
Click a link from list below to skip directly to that section.
- Base Bumpers (Low Profile, Off-Road Racing)
- Prerunner Bumpers (Bullnose, Push Bar)
- Full Grille Guard Bumpers
Considerations
Ultimately the intended use of your vehicle will help guide your decision as to which bumper is most appropriate. However, the following categories are the major points to consider when selecting a bumper. We will review each type of bumper against each of these considerations, among others.
- Cost
- Application & Level of Protection
- Weight (Fuel Economy, Speed, Rake)
- Accessories: LED Lighting, Winches
Driver Assistance Technologies
The term Driver Assistance Technologies (DAT) refers to wide range of features designed to enhance automotive safety by automating, improving or adapting driving/parking functions. These features include, but are not limited to Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive, Cruise Control, Parking Assistance, Forward Collision Warning and [Semi] Autonomous Driving.
With the rapid advances in DAT, it is increasingly likely that your vehicle may be equipped with some combination of these features. If so, you will need to ensure that any sensors (electromagnetic, ultrasonic, cameras, etc) are not obstructed or inhibited by your prospective bumper.
Your bumper manufacturer should clearly indicate whether or not the bumper designed for your specific YMM and trim package is compatible with certain DAT. As always, read the full product description, including any notes and compatibility sections, prior to making a purchase decision.
Which Bumper Is Right For You?
Base Bumpers (Low Profile, Off-Road Racing)
Designed with the minimalist approach, Base Bumpers provide great protection for your vehicle compared to factory bumpers, with relatively little added weight. They are often associated with the "Baja" style. You may also see the terms Low Profile Bumpers or Off-Road Racing Bumpers. Though some bumper manufacturers may make slight distinctions between these terms, they all refer to essential the same style of bumper.
These bumpers are great for offroad racing and other applications that require a moderate level of protection without sacrificing speed or fuel economy.
Pros
- Lower Cost
- Lightest option (best for fuel economy and speed)
Cons
- Least protection
- Least options for accessories (limited mounting surfaces or cutouts LEDs, winches)
Recommended Brands & Models
Prerunner Bumpers (Bullnose, Push Bar)
Prerunner Bumpers typically feature a base bumper with an integrated Bullnose or Push Bar. These bumpers provided some added protection to the grille without full wrap-around protection.
A bullnose (or bull bar) is typically constructed of tubular steel that extends upwards and often protrudes outwards from the front of the bumper to provide additional protection to the grille without the added weight of a full grille guard.
A push bar typically consists of 2 vertical bars that provide an even surface for pushing vehicles or other obstacles out of the way.
Pros
- Enhanced Protection (more than a base bumper, less than a full grille guard bumper)
- More options for accessories (mounting surfaces or cutouts LEDs, winches)
Cons
- More Expensive (more than a base bumper, less than a full grille guard bumper)
- Heavier Weight (more than a base bumper, lighter than a full grille guard bumper)
Recommended Brands & Models
Full Grille Guard Bumpers
Full Grille Guard Bumpers combine a base bumper with a grille guard that typically wraps around the entire front of the vehicle. This superior protection comes at a cost: added weight. If you install this type of bumper, you will probably want to consider adding leveling kit. These bumpers often work best in ranch, farm and utility applications when added protection is needed but speed is not as important.
Pros
- Best Protection
- Most options for accessories (mounting surfaces or cutouts LEDs, winches)
Cons
- Typically Most Expensive Option
- Heaviest Option